Are You a Shopaholic? 3 Steps To Fixing Your Addiction

“The first step to recovering is admitting you have a problem,” is a cliché we hear all the time. But do you see overspending on constant shopping trips as a crucial life issue that’s nearly as harmful as drugs or alcohol? It can be!

Spending your disposable income on unnecessary items (especially when they’re charged to your credit card) is a surefire way to an unsuccessful and unhappy future. Below are the first three steps you can take to curing your illness.

Step 1 – Remove Yourself From ALL Mailing Lists

It’s hard, but it’s the easiest way to avoid succumbing to the temptations of spending money on something you wouldn’t have otherwise if you weren’t victim to that specific e-mail. If you REALLY want to get exclusive information on a sale or get your hands on a coupon code, a simple Google Search will do the trick. Removing yourself from every mailing list you’ve subscribed to is your first step towards curing your spending habits!

Step 2 – Ditch the Plastic. Adopt the Paper!

This one is pretty simple. All you have to do is take your Credit and Debit Cards out of your wallet. People essentially spend less when they’re using cash because they can see for themselves how quickly it can decrease as opposed to when you’re using plastic, you just swipe and go. Ever change your mind about purchasing something because you don’t want to break your $20? Then you get the point! If you think it’s absolutely necessary to have a Credit Card on you (for the ease of use), use a Prepaid credit card and only load a specified amount on it, so you can’t overspend!

Step 3 – Ask Yourself (3 Times if Necessary), Do I REALLY Need This?

Each time you’re in the store and pick up an item, you should ask yourself a series of questions. Do I really need it? Do I just want it? Do I already own something similar to it? Am I just buying it because it’s on sale? Will I actually use it, or will it just collect dust? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you don’t need it. Put that money in the bank and save it for a rainy day! Few things are less attractive than a Fashionista that spent all her money on a gorgeous outfit, but can’t afford to participate in any leisure activities.

Follow these three simple steps, and I promise you will be on your way to a more financially stable and enjoyable future!